Statement on the first FGM Conviction

Culture and faith: learning from case reviews

Date: 2018

Summary of risk factors and learning for improved practice around culture and faith. Published case reviews highlight that professionals sometimes lack the knowledge and confidence to work with families from different cultures and religions. The learning from these reviews highlights that professionals need to take into account families’ cultural and religious context when undertaking assessments and offering support. The rights and needs of the child need to remain the focus of interventions at all times, regardless of this context.

This study explores the scale and scope of witchcraft accusations across the world, the belief systems that support them, the impact on the children themselves and how to effective challenge this type of abuse.

Nigeria: FGM and the Law

Date: 2018

A document by 28 to Many that explores the law around FGM in Nigeria, breaking down international and regional treaties signed and ratified by the government.

Female Genital Mutilation in Iraqi-Kurdistan: an Empirical Study

Date: 2010

The present investigation was begun in 2007. Its aim is to overcome the shortage of reliable data on female genital mutilation in Kurdish northern Iraq and to collect information on both the motives underlying the procedure and the circumstance in which it takes place. Such information is essential in two respects: on the one hand, it can form the basis for further educational work in the field and, on the other, it may help us to counteract the still widespread ignorance about the plight of girls and women in Kurdish northern Iraq. As regards the latter aspect, two further points need emphasizing: firstly, that FGM is not exclusively an African problem and, secondly, that the practice violates universal human rights and is a crime against the physical integrity and sexual autonomy of women.

A systematic review of doctors’ experiences and needs to support the care of women with female genital mutilation

Date: 2015

Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other injury for non-therapeutic reasons. Little is known about the knowledge and skills of doctors who care for affected women and their practice in relation to FGM. This reviews aims to examine the FGM experiences and educational needs of doctors.

The role of men in abandonment of female genital mutilation: a systematic review

Date: 2015

Men in their roles as fathers, husbands, community and religious leaders may play a pivotal part in the continuation of female genital mutilation (FGM). However, the research on their views of FGM and their potential role in its abandonment are not well described. This review undertook a systematic review of all publications between 2004 and 2014 that explored men’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours in regards to FGM, as well as their ideas about FGM prevention and abandonment.

Obstetric outcomes for women with female genital mutilation at an Australian hospital, 2006-2012: a descriptive study.

Date: 2016

Women, who have been subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM), can suffer serious and irreversible physical, psychological and psychosexual complications. They have more adverse obstetric outcomes as compared to women without FGM. Exploratory studies suggest radical change to abandonment of FGM by communities after migration to countries where FGM is not prevalent. Women who had been subjected to FGM as a child in their countries of origin, require specialised healthcare to reduce complications and further suffering. This study compared obstetric outcomes in women with FGM to women without FGM who gave birth in a metropolitan Australian hospital with expertise in holistic FGM management.

Equally Safe: Scotland’s strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls

Date: 2014

This strategy, which was originally published in 2014 and has now been updated, provides a framework to help us do that. It was developed by the Scottish Government and COSLA in association with a wide range of partners from public and third sector organisations. This updated version has been supported by further engagement with children’s organisations. We are immensely grateful to all those organisations for their support, and looking forward to working with them in implementing Equally Safe’s vision.

This report describes findings from the second phase of My Voice, a participatory action research project on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Scotland. The first phase of My Voice aimed to document perceptions, attitudes and experiences of FGM among specific groups within affected communities, including young women (under 25 years), young men and older men, as well as religious leaders. In this second phase the focus has been on women over 25, arguably the most affected group, who are mostly married or have been married, with children and in many cases dealing with the negative health impacts of FGM.

This update report provides an update of the work that is being taken forward by the Scottish Government and its partners in the statutory and third sectors along with affected communities in relation to the actions and activities required to progress the outcomes of the FGM National Action Plan.

Breast Ironing in Cameroon A harmful practice restricting sexuality or a means to protect the girl child from harm

Date: 2014

The thesis presents the diversity in lived experiences of breast ironing and concludes that it is a practice with many meanings. It cannot simply be labelled a harmful practice, it needs also be understood as a means to protect the girl child from harm. Thus, breast ironing is a practice that seeks to protect the girl by aiming to decrease significations of femininity that breasts invokes. This in turn means that breast ironing is a practice that ultimately seeks to decrease the level at which the girl child is identified with femininity.

Introducing the Practice of Breast Ironing as a Human Rights Issue in Cameroon

Date: 2014

A comprehensive look at the literature on breast ironing and legislation to protect children, especially young girls, in Cameroon. “It examined its legal framework to determine whether the obligations vested on it by international human rights instruments have been translated into national policies” concluding that no measures have been taken to curb the practice.

Breast Ironing: A harmful practice that has been secret for to long

Date: 2011

This research presents information on breast ironing from the perspective of a Cameroonian NGO working to reduce violence against women and girls. The research calls for the practice to be recognised as female to female violence.

Female Mutilation (Book)

Date: 2015

Read the harrowing stories of women who have been genitally mutilated, their accounts of survival and their determination to end this injustice. This book covers the controversial cultural practice that is taking place around the world including in Western countries where it is illegal. This book covers this controversial cultural practice that is taking place around the world including in Western countries where it is illegal. Read the harrowing stories of women who have been genitally mutilated, their accounts of survival and their determination to end this injustice.

Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation: A UK Perspective (Book)

Date: 2015

This handbook details the present situation with regard to female genital mutilation (FGM) in Britain, referring also to other Western nations where FGM occurs. It scrutinises current pathways to eradicating this dangerous, sometimes lethal, form of child abuse and gender-related violence. The cultural and belief systems giving rise to FGM are complex. Further, FGM is an intensely intimate matter often imposed on young and vulnerable children. Approaches to its eradication therefore demand considerable human insight and a competent grasp of inter-/cross-agency working.The vulnerabilities and need for protection of victims and potential victims are paramount, but these pressing priorities do not lessen the requirement that all aspects of FGM be dealt with straightforwardly in accordance with the law.

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) amongst Bohras in India has gained systematic public attention since 2012. This anti-FGM/C movement seeks to end the practice through legal reform in India and by raising community awareness about the impact of the harmful traditional practice.

The current study contributes to the small body of existing research studies on FGM/C in India. It not only builds evidence of the existence of the practice in India today, but also seeks to document survivors’ experiences of the harmful impacts of Khafd as practiced by Bohras.

Witchcraft, Accusations & Persecutions in Nepal: 2014 Country Report

Date: 2014

This report, the first in a series of WHRIN country reports, focuses on the widespread violations that take place in Nepal due to the belief in Boksi (witches). At this crucial time in the evolution of the Nepalese nation state, the objective of this report is to make an important contribution in the field of human rights. Through raising awareness of this issue, we hope to be able to work with the Nepalese Government and civil society organisations to develop the solutions required to put a stop to the torture and killing of women in the name of ‘combatting witchcraft’

FGM/C in Italy: an enhanced estimation for first generation migrant women based on 2016 survey data

Date: 2018

Migration flows of women from Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting practicing countries have generated a need for data on women potentially affected by Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting. This paper presents enhanced estimates for foreign-born women and asylum seekers in Italy in 2016, with the aim of supporting resource planning and policy making, and advancing the methodological debate on estimation methods.

UNICEF Data on FGM – Brochure

Date: 2016

This UNICEF Brochure includes information on the practice of FGM across the world, including prevalence, changing attitudes and the work that UNICEF is doing to end the practice.

A rapid literature review of evidence on child abuse linked to faith or belief

Date: 2012

The Childhood Wellbeing Research Centre (CWRC), based at the Institute of Education, was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to conduct a small-scale review of previous research on ‘child abuse linked to faith or belief’. This will be used to help inform future policy in the area.

The Children in Need Census 2016/17

Date: 2016/7

This report from the Department for Education, contains information regarding children referred to and assessed by children’s social services for the year ending 31 March 2017. This includes cases where FGM and Abuse Linked to Faith and Belief were identified.

This report has been specifically compiled for the United Nations Expert Workshop on Witchcraft and Human Rights, in Geneva on 21st and 22nd September 2017. It aims to provide some background understanding into the work carried out by the United Nations on these issues to date; outline the current scale of the abuses of human rights that are taking place across the world due such harmful beliefs and practices; identify emerging trends and, finally, act as a call to action for all UN, Government and civil society agencies working on these issues to redouble their efforts to develop solutions to prevent further abuses from taking place.

An Exploration of Knowledge about Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief

Date: 2017

This groundbreaking new research investigates current knowledge and raises awareness of child abuse linked to faith or belief. Internationally, cases of child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB) continue to cause concern. In the United Kingdom (UK) high profile cases such as Victoria Climbie and Kristy Bamu have raised awareness of the need to develop child protection in this area. However, there are relatively small numbers of recorded cases though this data may be open to question due to underreporting and lack of recognition. Therefore, this research is timely and important in providing a foundation on which to build more effective identification of cases, policy and intervention.

Breast Ironing – Briefing Fact Sheet

Date: 2016

This briefing highlights what breast ironing is, the consequence (legally, physically and emotionally), the law in the UK, key research on the practice and the reasons why families may practice it. MP Jake Berry used this for a speech in parliament about the issue.

National FGM Centre: an evaluation of the second phase

Date: June 2017

The evaluation of the second phase (1 April 2016 – 31 March 2017) focused on assessing the impact of the pilot on services and members of potentially-affected communities, while concentrating more closely on the model of delegated authority and on the support given to families above and below statutory social care intervention thresholds. This evaluation draws out lessons from the NFGMC’s work for best practice in the children’s services response to FGM, and for collaboration between services and communities.

A rapid literature review of evidence on child abuse linked to faith or belief

Date: 2012

Literature review investigating child abuse linked to faith or belief. Looks at incidence; characteristics and context of faith based abuse; good practice and lessons learned; and gaps in evidence. Concludes that the numbers of children affected are probably relatively small but under-reported. Neglect and physical abuse were found to be the most common types of abuse in these cases. Recommends better recording of child abuse linked to faith or belief; more support and training for professionals; and more research into the area.

Understanding Breast “Ironing”: A study of the methods, motivations and outcomes of Breast Flattening in Cameroon

Date: 2012

This report presents the findings of research examining the practice of breast ironing or breast flattening in Cameroon. Breast ironing or flattening is a practice common in Cameroon and throughout West Africa whereby an object is used to massage, pound, or press the breasts flat. This report presents a summary of findings from original fieldwork and a review of unpublished academic reports and one quantitative study conducted in all ten regions of Cameroon by GIZ in 2005

The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime Female Genital Mutilation Early Intervention Model: An Evaluation

Date: 2017

The MOPAC female genital mutilation (FGM) early intervention model looks at ways to prevent new cases of FGM among women and girls, while supporting those affected by FGM.

FGM Scoping Study: Northern Ireland

Date: 2017

This scoping study seeks to provide an estimate of the number of women and girls affected or potentially affected by FGM in Northern Ireland. ACSONI conducted community engagement focus groups. It further seeks to identify service provision in Northern Ireland and to identify gaps in both service provision and knowledge.

Report on harmful practices against children based on tradition, culture, religion or superstition. It looks at the definition and scope of harmful practices from a human rights perspective, and provides examples of legal and other measures already taken to challenge and eliminate them. Makes recommendations for action by states, UN and UN-related agencies, INGOs, NGOs, national human rights institutions and others.

The Safeguarding Children’s Rights initiative was established in 2007 in response to concerns raised by African community groups about faith-based child abuse linked to a belief in spirit possession in London communities. This report evaluates the work of four community organisations funded by the project. Also outlines the context, including the background to witchcraft and spirit possession in the UK and the African context for child protection and children’s rights.

Child Abuse Linked to Accusations of “Possession” and “Witchcraft”

Date: 2006

This report concerns the frequency and severity of child abuse linked to accusations of “possession” and “witchcraft”. It identifies key features common to these cases, draws conclusions and makes recommendations. The report is based on desk research and discussions with social workers, school teachers, police officers, voluntary workers and others who had knowledge of aspects of the subject.

Child abuse linked to faith or belief: national action plan

Date: 2012

This action plan is intended to help raise awareness of child abuse linked to faith or belief and to encourage practical steps to be taken to prevent it. The plan has been developed through a partnership of the National Working Group between the central government and local statutory partners, faith leaders, voluntary sector organisations and the Metropolitan Police.

Harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls (Factsheet)

Strategy to end violence against women and girls: 2016 to 2020

Date: 2016

This document provides an overview of the wide range of actions the government will be taking towards its strategy of ending violence against women and girls between 2016 and 2020. It was launched on 8 March 2016.

Female genital mutilation: abuse unchecked

Date: 2016/7

The Home Affairs Committee has published a report about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Recommendations include: the Government should introduce stronger sanctions for professionals who fail to record FGM data; the FGM Unit should be a joint effort between the Home Office, the Department of Health and the Department for Education and more.

Tackling FGM in the UK: What works in Community-based prevention

Date: 2013

Summary of the findings from the external evaluation of a 3-year initiative to tackle FGM through community-based prevention. Finds that rejection of FGM has increased in areas where community-based preventive work is taking place. Outlines the successful strategies employed by community groups and makes recommendations for policymakers.

In the best interests of the child: preventing female genital cutting (FGC) (Subscription to journal required)

Date: 2015

Overview of the international literature exploring Female Genital Cutting (FGC). Addresses the prevalence of FGC, its cultural and social origins, effective prevention strategies, legislative responses and education and health promotion programmes. Authors argue that practitioners in Western countries should be equipped to assist practising communities to recognise the harm of FGC and to change attitudes and practices.

My Voice: Participatory Action Research Project with Men, Women and Young People on FGM

Date: 2016

My Voice is a 2016 innovative participatory action research project, with affected communities on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Scotland. The project aims are to facilitate community engagement on FGM with women, men, young people and religious leaders to enable their voices to be heard and contribute to the development of awareness raising around FGM as well as ensuring culturally appropriate services for Scotland.

This report shares the findings from a rapid PEER study, carried out by migrant women and men living in Norfolk and Essex, UK. 18 Peer Researchers, were recruited through local community organisations and trained and supported by FORWARD and Barnardo’s to design and carry out conversational interviews with their peers focusing on life in the UK, and Female Genital Mutilation.

The National FGM Centre works with experts around the country to inform and develop services. As part of that process, it is organising a number of stakeholder events around England. The Stakeholder events are held in informal settings in the style of ‘world-cafe’ to encourage open discussions and the sharing of learning.

In defence of genital autonomy for children

Date: 2016

Should we offer ‘mild’ female genital alteration in the manner of male circumcision as a safe alternative to FGM? This commentary was written in response to an opinion piece by two American gynaecologists that argued for de-minimise female genital alteration procedures as a safe alternative to FGM, in the manner of male circumcision.

Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in England and Wales: National and local estimates

Date: 2015

This report contains estimates of the numbers of women with female genital mutilation (FGM) living in England and Wales, the numbers of women with FGM giving birth and the numbers of girls born to women with FGM. Headline figures for England and Wales as a whole were published in an interim report.

REPLACE Approach: Supporting Communities to end FGM in the EU

Date: 2015

The Replace Approach to ending FGM was developed over 5 years by a European partnership between Forward UK, Coventry University, FSAN (Netherlands), CESIE (ITALY), APF (Portugal) and Gabinet d’Estudis Socials (Spain). The work was funded by Daphne III action grants. REPLACE is based on the principle that ending FGM requires behaviour change on behalf of affected communities.

Counter-Extremism Strategy

Date: 2015

This strategy is about countering all forms of extremism: violent and non-violent; Islamist and the neo-Nazi. The strategy also explores harmful traditional practices including Female Genital Mutilation, Forced Marriage and so-called Honour-Based Violence as extreme forms of violence against women and girls that are deeply harmful and often stem from a wider view that denies women core human rights.

A systematic review of doctors’ experiences and needs to support the care of women with FGM. (Subscription to journal required)

Date: 2015

The study aimed to examine the FGM experiences and educational needs of doctors with respect to FGM in low, middle and high-income countries. The goal was to identify the medical training and continuing professional development of doctors so that they can better care for women and advocate against the practice.

FGM: A Muslim Issue?

Date: 2013

This blog by campaigner and psychotherapist Leyla Hussein examines whether FGM is an Islamic practice. It gives facts about why FGM is not a Muslim issue but also discusses the responsibility of religious leaders across all main religions to take a stand against the practice. You can also download a leaflet on FGM and Islam for families.

Girl Safety Toolkit – A Resource for Practitioners

Date: 2014

A comprehensive guide to designing safe programmes for adolescent girls. This guide focuses on international development programmes to improve outcomes for adolescent girls, including programmes to eliminate female genital mutilation, child marriage and barriers to education.Girl Safety Toolkit – A Resource for Practitioners

‘It’s only a tradition’: making sense of eradication interventions and the persistence of female ‘circumcision’ within a Swedish context

Date: 2004

This paper questions why female circumcision (FC) persists despite eradication interventions and the migration of people to non-practising countries and discusses the reasoning of Somali immigrants on female circumcision.

Female genital mutilation/cutting: a statistical overview and exploration of the dynamics of change.

Date: 2013

The report explores: FGM/C as a human rights violation; social dynamics of FGM/C; national and regional prevalence, when and how the practice is performed, Prevailing attitudes towards the practice, The relationship between the experience of FGM/C, attitudes towards the practice and behaviour and implications of the findings for policy and practice.

A realist synthesis of controlled studies to determine the effectiveness of interventions to prevent genital cutting of girls.

Date: 2013

Review of the effectiveness of anti-FGM/C interventions, applying a realist perspective. Some interventions’ acceptability and success rested on the incorporation of FGM/C abandonment efforts within a larger set of related issues. However, greater success of the interventions could have materialised with systematic pre-planning involving thorough community analyses and securing religious leaders’ commitment to halting FGM/C.

Human rights, cultural practices, and state policies: implications for global social work practice and policy (Subscription Required)

Date: 2012

Effective practice in a global world requires knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures. Based on multidisciplinary research and contemporary examples of gender discrimination, forced marriages, child labor, and female genital mutilation, this article proposes resolutions to this conflict.

Commissioning Services To Support Women and Girls with FGM

Date: 2015

This document sets out some key considerations when embarking upon the process to commission services to support FGM survivors. It reflects the standards and characteristics which have developed where commissioning in this area has been successful and sets out particular elements which should either always be considered or provided.

Discusses female genital mutilation (FGM) in relation to family lawyers. Argues that although FGM may not cross the paths of family lawyers on a daily basis, they need to be aware of it in order to help minimise risk and ensure that the court has sufficient information to understand and adjudicate on the issues.

Ending female genital mutilation: where do we stand in Europe?

Date: 2013

This report provides an update on the European situation in relation to the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). It also gives an overview of action to date taken within the European Union (EU) to end FGM and recommends an EU action plan on FGM as well as a strategy on violence against women.

Assessing and managing FGM in the practice. (Subscription to journal required)

Date: 2014

Comfort Momoh MBE discusses female genital mutilation and the practice nurse’s role in identifying and providing care for victims and those at risk. Includes checklist.

Istanbul Convention – A Tool to End FGM

Date: 2014

The Istanbul Convention has been signed by 39 countries and came into force on August 2014. This section on FGM outlines the responsibilities of European states to prevent the practice in Europe and protect survivors, and to ensure cross-border cooperation to bring perpetrators to justice.

Re B and G (Care Proceedings: FGM)

Date: 2015

This article analyses the President’s ruling in Re B and G (Care Proceedings: FGM) (No 2) [2015] EWFC 3, [2015] 1 FLR (forthcoming and reported at [2015] Fam Law 257) which addressed FGM in the context of care proceedings for the first time. The case underlines the importance of using expert witnesses to assess whether a child has been subjected to FGM. It also discusses male circumcision and parallels with FGM.

The scoping study, carried out by Scottish Refugee Council with the support of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, identifies populations across Scotland potentially affected by female genital mutilation and sets out a number of recommendations for prevention and response interventions.

“What works and what does not: a discussion of popular approaches for the abandonment of female genital mutilation”

Date: 2013

This paper is intended to contribute to the design of more effective interventions by assessing existing knowledge of what works and what does not and discusses some of the most common approaches that have been evaluated: health risk approaches, conversion of excisers, training of health professionals as change agents, alternative rituals, community-led approaches, public statements, and legal measures.

Global Prevalence of FGM

Date: 2017

Information on the prevalence of FGM across the world including regional variations, legal contexts and high risk age groups. Our interactive map is one of the most popular pages on our site, used by professionals across the country. Click ‘Read More’ to go to the page.

FGM Protection Order: Data

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) – Frequently Asked Questions

Date: 2017

A list of the most frequently asked questions on FGM.

Engaging Midwives in the Global Campaign to End FGM

Date: 2014

UNFPA is mobilizing midwives in the prevention and care of FGM through a joint initiative in the context of the UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Programme on FGM/C and the UNFPA Midwifery Programme. Building on the expertise and networks of the two global programmes, UNFPA will empower midwives to serve as role models, counsellors and advocates in the campaign to end FGM.

Briefing Paper: FGM (Northern Ireland)

Let’s talk about vaginas…FGM: The failure of international obligations and how to end an abusive cultural tradition

Date: 2014

FGM is not related to any specific colour or religion, but to a patriarchal system. This article explores its history and culture, and explains that tackling the practice of FGM has been affected by estimated data and the failure to implement decades of international obligations.

National FGM Centre: An evaluation (Research Report 2017)

Date: 2017

The National FGM Centre was a pilot project funded by the Department for Education’s Children’s Social Care Innovation Programme for two years from April 2015- March 2017. This evaluation assessed the effectiveness of the National FGM Centre, a partnership between Barnardo’s and the LGA, in achieving its stated aims during the first year.

London Assembly – Tackling FGM in London

Date: 2017

This report provides findings and recommendations compiled from the London Assembly Conference in January 2017, which are directed at the Mayor to champion the fight against FGM in London and translate his promised into actions.

Models of care and care pathways to support mental health and wellbeing of looked after children: Findings of call for evidence

Date: 2016

This document presents the findings of a call for evidence to develop models of care and care pathways to support the mental health and wellbeing of looked after children. A free SCIE account is needed to download the full report.

Why commission us?

At the National FGM Centre, we pride ourselves on the quality and care of the services we provide to families, young people and professionals. If you would be interested in finding out more about the services we offer head to our ‘Commission Us’ section.

External links were selected, reviewed and identified to assist agencies and professionals addressing FGM. However, the National FGM Centre is not responsible for the content of external websites. We do not maintain or update them, and they may be changed without our knowledge. Other information on FGM is available and the contents of this website are therefore not exhaustive.

Warning

Some of the content of this website or the links included contain images or accounts which viewers or readers may find distressing.